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Hungry Seniors

Senior citizens have a number of unique medical and mobility challenges that put them at a greater risk of hunger.

After a lifetime of working and not worrying about their next meal, many seniors find themselves with health issues on fixed incomes. Unfortunately, food insecurity is an obstacle that can threaten our community’s senior citizens, but your Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is here to help.

More than 10 percent of all individuals served by the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank are seniors.

Almost half of all individuals served by the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank are children or seniors, our most vulnerable populations.

81 percent of all households with a senior citizen served by the Foodbank’s member agency programs have a member of the house with high blood pressure

23 percent of all households with a senior citizen served by the Foodbank’s member agency programs report choosing between paying for food or paying for medical care, like Mark.

Mark's Story

Mark’s core belief in family values and the desire to be closer to his wife’s family is why he moved from California to Ohio. When his wife, and best friend of almost twenty years passed away of cancer, he had no idea he would join the family of volunteers and friends at the Crown Hill Food Pantry at the Crown Hill Mennonite Church.

While working as a crane operator, Mark’s foot was crushed by a 3,000 lb. machine, and he was unable to work for a year with medical bills to pay. With cupboards nearly empty, he found the Crown Hill Mennonite Church’s food pantry – and he hasn’t left. Mark is now an active volunteer with a full time job, and leaves work early if the pantry needs him.

Giving and helping are the two words Mark uses to describe the way neighbors should be. While loading cars and trucks full of fresh groceries at the food pantry for more than 300 families each month, Mark is proud to be there for others, just like they were there for him.